What are airplane ears in cats?

When most cats display airplane ears, it indicates that they are in a state of fear or tension. Some cats will also exhibit this behavior when they are focused and preparing to hunt. When they are afraid, their ears will stand straight up and show a tendency to press backward, looking like the wings of an airplane. Therefore, they are commonly referred to as airplane ears.

Cats have many forms of body language that can help owners understand their emotional behavior.

Firstly, cat ears. When a cat's ears are slightly forward and they are in a new environment, it usually means they are highly alert and observing their surroundings, often accompanied by a slight rotation of the ears. Besides environmental changes, their ears may also be slightly forward when they are feeling happy or excited. In addition to ears forward, they can also be pressed backward, which is commonly known as airplane ears. When a cat has airplane ears, it usually indicates they are tense, afraid, or highly focused on hunting. The specific emotion should be judged based on the cat's environment.

Secondly, cat eyes. Besides changing due to light sources, the size of a cat's pupils can also change according to their emotional state. When a cat is feeling tense and afraid, their pupils will expand greatly, and their eyes will express unease. This is a common sight in veterinary hospitals, where timid cats will experience fear upon entering the hospital due to unfamiliar smells and surroundings, causing their pupils to dilate.

Lastly, a cat's body and tail. The most obvious sign of a cat's anger is when their fur and tail are flared, their back is arched, and their tail is constantly trembling. When a cat is afraid, their tail will also droop, possibly accompanied by slight tremors. When a cat is happy, their tail will be held high, indicating their confidence and familiarity with their surroundings. When they are lying down relaxed, their tail casually wagging, or even producing a purring sound, it means they are feeling comfortable and relaxed. However, it should be noted that not all purring sounds indicate that a cat is relaxed. Sometimes, when a cat is overly tense and wants to calm down, they will force themselves to produce purring sounds to soothe themselves. The specific emotional state should be judged based on the environment.